I do not own RWBY or anything else referenced in this.

I keep doing thing.

Chapter 3: "Turbulence"

The sky stretched out endlessly, a canvas of soft blues and whites. Puffy clouds drifted lazily past the airship's wide windows, the calm of the scene almost hypnotic. It was serene, peaceful even, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of chaos Jaune had been through lately.

But the tranquility was shattered.

BLEGGHHH!

Johnny winced at the sound, turning his head to glance at Jaune, who was doubled over a waste bin near the corner of the airship. "You know, for a guy who can turn into a walking storm of energy, you'd think you'd have a stomach made of sterner stuff."

Jaune glared at him weakly, his face pale and clammy. "I can fight Grimm… I can't fight this…" he mumbled, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

Johnny grinned, leaning back in his seat. "Yeah, yeah. Don't worry, big guy. Happens to the best of us. Though, I gotta say, it's kinda funny watching the guy who sent Ursa flying get taken down by a little turbulence."

Jaune groaned, sinking back into his seat and clutching his head. The airship rattled slightly as it hit a pocket of turbulence, and he visibly flinched.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

"Maybe just a little," Johnny admitted with a chuckle.

Jaune took a few steadying breaths, forcing himself to focus on something other than the lurching sensation in his stomach. "I'm just… not used to flying. I've spent most of my life on the ground."

"Well, you'll get used to it eventually," Johnny said, his tone light but laced with a hint of understanding. "Airships aren't exactly my favorite either, but you gotta deal with what comes your way. Kind of a life thing."

Jaune leaned back, his eyes drawn to the endless blue beyond the window. The rhythmic hum of the engines and Johnny's voice started to lull him into a tenuous calm.

"You know," Jaune started, breaking the silence, "during that fight… there was something you did. When you knocked that Ursa back with just a palm strike. It was like… pure force."

Johnny raised an eyebrow. "Kiai wave? What about it?"

"I've seen something similar before," Jaune said, his gaze distant as he recalled. "Ren—my teammate—did something like that once. We were fighting a pack of Beowolves. He said it was about focusing your Aura into a burst of energy and releasing it with intent. Your move reminded me of that."

Johnny nodded, an impressed grin spreading across his face. "Your buddy's got the right idea. Kiai wave uses ki, Aura—call it what you want. It's all connected. What people call Aura these days? That's just what the old timers used to call ki. Same energy, just different philosophies."

Jaune frowned, his fingers idly tracing the edge of his shield. "Then why call it something else? Why does it feel like… more?"

Johnny leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on his knees. "That's the thing. Over time, people forgot how to truly use it. Back in the day, ki wasn't just a shield or a tool for flashy Semblances—it was everything. People used it to fight, to heal, even to sense each other from miles away. But that was before Semblances took over."

"Semblances?" Jaune asked, though he already had a vague understanding of what Johnny meant.

Johnny nodded. "Yeah. Semblances made everything… easier. They gave people powers right out of the gate—something they didn't have to train for years to master. The problem is, Semblances draw on your ki constantly. It's like they're always running in the background, draining just enough that most folks can't even tap into their Aura beyond the basics."

Jaune hesitated, his thoughts drifting to the fights he'd barely survived. My Semblance doesn't just drain… it amplifies. That's why I can heal… why I can keep going when I shouldn't be able to.

Johnny seemed to catch the flicker of thought in Jaune's eyes but didn't press. Instead, he leaned back with a knowing grin. "But some people—rare people—have more than enough to go around. You're one of them. Whatever it is you've got, it's raw, it's untamed… and it's dangerous."

"And what am I supposed to do with it?" Jaune finally asked, his voice quiet but firm.

Johnny smirked, as if he'd been waiting for the question. "Lucky for you, I know someone who can help. There's a teacher—an old master—who knows more about ki than anyone else alive. If you want to learn control, he's your best bet."

"And where is he?"

"Menagerie," Johnny said simply. "The guy I learned from. He's… different, sure, but if anyone can help you figure this out, it's him."

Jaune turned his gaze back to the window, the endless sky reflecting in his blue eyes. "Menagerie, huh?"

Johnny chuckled. "Trust me. It'll be worth the trip. Assuming you don't hurl again before we land."

Jaune groaned, leaning forward as another wave of turbulence hit. "Don't remind me…"

The airship touched down with a soft thud, its engines humming to a stop. As passengers began filing out, Jaune stumbled onto the docks, his boots hitting the wooden planks with a slight sway.

"I'm alive," he muttered under his breath, though his pale complexion told another story.

Johnny clapped him on the back, grinning. "You made it, big guy! See? Told you it wasn't so bad."

Jaune glared weakly. "If I ever get on another airship, it'll be too soon."

Johnny laughed, already scanning the bustling port. "Well, welcome to Thunder Bay. Gateway to Menagerie, land of overpriced everything, and the best seafood stew this side of Remnant."

Jaune barely managed to groan in reply as he followed Johnny into the heart of the docks. The salty tang of the sea air mingled with the faint scent of spices and fresh fish, creating a vibrant backdrop of activity. Merchants shouted over one another, peddling everything from exotic fabrics to crates of fruit, while dockworkers loaded ships with cargo. Sailors exchanged banter as they prepared for their next journeys, their laughter carrying on the breeze.

"We'll need a ship to Menagerie," Johnny said, glancing over his shoulder at Jaune. "Looks like the Sea Whisperer is our best bet. Fast ship, reliable captain."

Jaune gave a half-hearted nod, his focus on staying upright as his legs wobbled slightly beneath him.

It didn't take long for Johnny to negotiate their way onto the Sea Whisperer. Captain Ferris, a burly man with a weathered face and a no-nonsense demeanor, agreed to take them for a fair price—but not immediately.

"We leave in three days," Ferris said, crossing his arms. "Storm season's on the horizon, and I need time to make sure the ship's ready. If you're not here when we set sail, tough luck."

"Fair enough," Johnny said, shaking the captain's hand. "We'll be here."

As Ferris returned to his crew, Johnny turned to Jaune. "Well, looks like we've got a few days to kill. Thunder Bay's got a lot to offer, so how about we make the most of it?"

Jaune shrugged, clearly less enthused. "I guess."

Johnny rolled his eyes. "You're a tough nut to crack, Arc. Let's find a place to stay first, then I'll show you around."

Thunder Bay's charm revealed itself as the pair explored its winding streets. Quaint houses painted in soft hues of blue and yellow lined cobblestone paths, their windows adorned with flower boxes. Children darted between the stalls of the marketplace, their laughter mingling with the chatter of townsfolk.

Johnny led the way, occasionally pointing out landmarks or cracking jokes that drew reluctant smirks from Jaune. They eventually settled into a modest inn near the docks, its rooms small but clean, with windows that opened to the sound of waves.

After dropping off their belongings, Johnny dragged Jaune to a bustling tavern. The warm glow of lanterns lit the room as sailors and travelers swapped stories over mugs of ale.

Johnny raised his drink, smirking across the table at Jaune. "So, mystery man. You've been dodging every personal question I've thrown at you. Wanna give me something to work with?"

Jaune sipped at his water, his gaze fixed on the condensation trailing down the glass. "Not much to tell."

Johnny leaned back, folding his arms. "Uh-huh. Sure. The guy who fights like a one-man army and throws around more power than most Huntsmen I've seen has nothing to tell."

"It's not about power," Jaune said quietly, his tone sharper than he intended.

Johnny tilted his head, intrigued. "Touchy subject?"

Jaune hesitated, his fingers tightening around the glass. Memories of Pyrrha, the Fall of Beacon, and the endless weight of failure clawed at him. "I've just… seen what happens when power isn't enough."

The somber edge in his voice gave Johnny pause. "Fair enough," he said, his tone softening. "But if you're carrying that much weight, maybe it's time to let some of it out. You don't have to do it alone, you know."

Jaune looked up, meeting Johnny's gaze for the first time. The sincerity there was unexpected, and for a moment, he considered saying more. But the words stayed locked in his throat.

The next morning, Johnny found Jaune standing by the docks, staring out at the sea.

"You're up early," Johnny said, tossing an apple to Jaune, who caught it awkwardly, almost fumbling the catch.

"Couldn't sleep," Jaune admitted, taking a bite.

"Well, since you're awake," Johnny said with a sly grin, "let's put that pent-up energy to good use. How about a little sparring? Helps pass the time and clears the mind."

Jaune arched an eyebrow. "Sparring? You're serious?"

"Dead serious." Johnny rolled his shoulders, gesturing toward an open lot near the edge of town. "Come on, I'll even go easy on you."

Jaune sighed, following him reluctantly. The area was quiet, the early morning stillness broken only by the distant cry of seagulls and the creak of ship masts.

Johnny set his axe aside, taking a loose, relaxed stance. "No weapons, no flashy moves. Just hand-to-hand. Let's see what you've got."

Jaune hesitated, his stance stiff as he raised his fists. "I'm… not great at this."

Johnny smirked. "Figured as much. That's why we're doing it. Don't worry, I'll be gentle."

The first exchange was light, Johnny testing Jaune's reflexes with slow, deliberate jabs. Jaune blocked clumsily, his movements jerky and uncertain.

"You're thinking too much," Johnny said, stepping back. "Loosen up. Trust your instincts."

Jaune exhaled sharply, trying to relax, but his movements remained rigid. When Johnny lunged forward with a quick feint, Jaune flinched, stumbling back.

"Come on, Arc!" Johnny called, his tone more encouraging than mocking. "You've been fighting Grimm for months. Where's that fire?"

"I fight with a shield," Jaune muttered, adjusting his stance. "And they're not exactly throwing punches."

Johnny sighed, circling around him. "Fair point. But fighting Grimm isn't just about swinging your weapon around. It's about reading your opponent, using their momentum against them. That's true for anything—Grimm or not."

Johnny darted in again, faster this time, his fists a blur. Jaune barely managed to block the first strike, his arm buckling under the force. The second punch grazed his ribs, and the third sent him sprawling onto the dirt.

"Gah!" Jaune groaned, pushing himself up with a wince.

"You're too defensive," Johnny said, pacing. "You're waiting for me to come to you. That's fine with Grimm, but against someone who can think? You're toast."

Jaune grit his teeth, wiping dirt from his hands. "Easy for you to say."

Johnny raised an eyebrow, his tone sharpening. "Then stop holding back. Use your Aura. Tap into that fire you showed with the Ursa."

Jaune froze, his fists tightening. "I don't know how."

Johnny stepped closer, his voice lowering. "Yes, you do. You've done it before, whether you realized it or not. That power inside you? It's there, waiting. You just have to trust it."

Jaune hesitated, his breathing uneven. Memories of the fight with the Ursa flashed through his mind—the surge of energy, the crackling power that had saved the little girl. It had felt wild, uncontrollable, and terrifying.

"I don't… I can't control it," Jaune admitted.

"Then stop trying to control it," Johnny said firmly. "Let it guide you. Now come on."

Jaune nodded hesitantly, raising his fists again. This time, when Johnny lunged, Jaune met him head-on. His movements were still clumsy, but there was a spark of intent behind them.

Johnny grinned as he dodged a wild swing, countering with a sweep that sent Jaune stumbling. "Better! But don't overcommit. Keep your balance!"

The sparring intensified, Johnny pushing Jaune harder with every exchange. He delivered feints and rapid combinations, forcing Jaune to adapt on the fly. Slowly, Jaune's movements began to change. His footwork steadied, his blocks grew sharper, and his counters carried a hint of confidence.

"There you go!" Johnny called, ducking under a punch. "Now put some force behind it!"

Jaune growled, focusing his Aura into his next strike. His fist connected with Johnny's palm, and the air rippled with a faint shockwave.

Johnny's eyes widened slightly as he staggered back, shaking his hand. "Well, well. There's that fire."

Jaune blinked, staring at his hand. "Did I…?"

"You're getting there," Johnny said, his grin returning. "But you've got a long way to go. That was just a flicker. The real challenge is keeping that spark alive without burning yourself out."

Jaune frowned, his thoughts swirling. The power felt like a double-edged sword—one that could save lives but also consume him if he wasn't careful. He had felt it before. When he fought Cinder, he could feel his mind slipping to the rage. When he first achieved Beast he had felt invincible. The Dragon Grimm's strike had done nothing to him, and he had retaliated like a hurricane.

However, as the fight drew on his focus lay more into how much damage he could dish out. Cinder capitlized on that. Jaune frowned.

He shouldn't have been struck.

Johnny clapped him on the shoulder, pulling him out of his thoughts. "Not bad for a beginner. We'll keep working on it. You've got the potential, Jaune. Now you just need the will to use it."

Jaune smiled slightly. He was getting better, but he still had a lot of work to do. Johnny may have been an unwanted comrade at first, but the weeks they travelled together so far had made the older man a welcome compatriot.

"Alright kid, break time is over!" Johnny said as he got back to his side and raised his fists. "I think I'll give you 5% of my power now." Jaune could only gulp.

The inn was cozy, its dim lighting casting a warm glow across the wooden interior. A low hum of conversation filled the air as patrons enjoyed their meals, the occasional clink of mugs and silverware punctuating the lively atmosphere. At a corner table, Jaune sat slumped in his chair, utterly drained from the day's training. Across from him, Johnny dug into his plate with the enthusiasm of a man who hadn't eaten in days.

Jaune propped his chin on his hand, barely managing to lift his fork. His arms felt like lead, and the soreness in his muscles radiated with every tiny movement. Johnny, on the other hand, seemed annoyingly energized, downing a mug of ale with a satisfied sigh.

"You're eating like you didn't just beat the crap out of me for half a day," Jaune muttered, his voice laced with exhaustion.

Johnny grinned, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "Gotta refuel, Arc. Training burns a lot of energy. You'll learn to appreciate a good meal after a day like today."

Jaune groaned, pushing his plate around. "Appreciate it? I can barely lift my fork."

"That's part of the process," Johnny said, leaning back in his chair. "Your body's getting used to it. In a few weeks, you'll be thanking me."

"Sure, if I survive that long," Jaune quipped, though his tone lacked its usual bite.

Johnny chuckled, taking another swig of his drink. "You'll survive. You've got more grit than you give yourself credit for."

Jaune raised an eyebrow. "Says the guy who barely broke a sweat."

Johnny smirked, setting his mug down. "Experience, my friend. Been doing this a long time."

Jaune's curiosity got the better of him. "How long, exactly?"

"Over a decade," Johnny replied casually, cutting into his steak. "Started young. Been all over Remnant, fought more Grimm than I can count."

Jaune blinked, suddenly aware of the age difference between them. "So you're, what, in your late thirties?"

Johnny grinned. "Give or take. I'm not keeping track anymore. All I know is, I've been around long enough to know how to handle myself."

Jaune leaned forward slightly, despite his fatigue. "And the… ki thing? How'd you learn that?"

Johnny's grin faded, his expression turning thoughtful. "Now that's a story. Let's just say I didn't have much of a choice. My Semblance… it wasn't exactly something I wanted to rely on."

"What do you mean?" Jaune asked, genuinely curious.

Johnny set his fork down, his gaze distant. "Semblances are supposed to be gifts, right? A unique power that sets you apart. But mine… mine was a curse. It was destructive, uncontrollable. Every time I used it, it felt like I was tearing myself apart—and worse, hurting people I didn't mean to."

Jaune frowned. "So you stopped using it?"

Johnny nodded. "More than that. I locked it away. There's a technique, ancient and not well-known, that lets you seal your Semblance. It's not easy, and it's not something you do lightly. But for me, it was worth it. Gave me the freedom to focus on something better."

"Ki," Jaune said, the pieces clicking together.

"Exactly," Johnny said, leaning back. "It's not a shortcut, though. Took years of training and discipline to get to where I am. But it's a power I can control, something I can use without fear."

Jaune stared at the table, his thoughts swirling. "And your crew? Did they…?"

Johnny's expression softened. "Some of them did the same. We all had our reasons—some didn't find their Semblances useful, others couldn't handle the cost. But we stuck together, learned from each other. You have to remember Jaune, if you have your Semblance already then ki is essentially out of your reach. We all took that chance to be something more, even if meant giving up something seen as the manifestation of your soul given form."

"It sounds… dangerous," Jaune said. "My friends had Semblances that I considered otherworldly. From supersonic speeds to literally becoming a fiery embodiment of strength. Hell! This one girl could clone herself! Clone Johnny!"

Johnny laughed. "Yeah some people get some crazy ones. You might be the luckiest S.O.B out there if you have your Semblance and still can use ki."

"I-I guess. I still need to learn more about it. I would have liked to share it with them," Jaune closed his eyes and sighed. "My friends. Well maybe former… I don't think they would forgive me."

"Hmm." Johnny stared at the boy. Deciding to get the boy out his funk, he flung a pea at him. The blond responded with a squawk on indignation. "Listen kid. If your friends cared for you, and I mean really cared, they would understand. My crew was my family. Sure we may have bickered or fought every now and then, but we loved each other. They're the reason I'm still standing today."

Jaune hesitated, his grip tightening on his mug. Johnny may be right. He loved his friends. He truly did. But that act of fear and anger, he had made his choice. He would apologize for leaving… but the reason for leaving. No. He knew he had failed and this was his journey to find himself. Be better.

"I faked my way into Beacon," Jaune blurted out, word vomit spewing from his lips.

Johnny blinked, caught off guard. "Faked?"

"Yeah," Jaune admitted, his voice low. The morose thoughts of why he left in the first place finally letting him share his reasons to leave. "I forged my transcripts. Lied my way in. I thought… I thought I could make it. Be a hero like my dad used to talk about. But I was terrible. My team carried me through everything. Pyrrha, my partner… she tried to teach me, make me better. But I wasn't good enough. Not when it mattered."

Johnny didn't interrupt, letting Jaune continue.

"I was terrible," Jaune said bitterly. "Could barely swing a sword without tripping over my own feet. My team—Pyrrha, Ren, Nora—they carried me. And then… the Fall happened. When Beacon fell…" Jaune's voice cracked, and he paused to steady himself. "Pyrrha fought alone. She… she died. And I couldn't stop it. I wasn't strong enough. So I left. Left my friends behind because I thought I was just… dragging them down."

Johnny studied him for a moment before speaking. "You're not dragging anyone down now, Arc. You're standing on your own two feet, trying to get stronger. That's more than most people would do."

Jaune managed a weak smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Yeah. Trying."

"That's all anyone can do," Johnny said, raising his mug. "Here's to trying."

Jaune hesitated before raising his water in return. "To trying."

They took a swig each before setting down their glasses. Jaune was starting to understand Johnny a little better. Sure the man seemed to have that 'give no fucks' attitude, but he truly seemed like he had his own broken past. But the man kept going.

Many Hunters and Huntresses either retired from that dangerous life, or most likely died in the field. Johnny was neither the former, and definitely not the latter. A lone Hunter on his own without his team. Not to say he was weak. If what he had told Jaune about ki was true then this man was a force of nature.

So why had he decided to take Jaune under his wing?

The young man could probably hypothesize all night and still not come up with an answer that seemed right. Though most of his ideas always came down to that strange ability. The skill to use ki. Ki, or Aura, in its most natural and pure form. And Jaune could do it. His Semblance allowed him to amp up his Aura from what he could tell. He was still learning it, bit by bit, but if what Johnny said was true then what could he really do?

What was the extent of this power?

How far could Beast go?

The next morning, Johnny found Jaune already at the docks, stretching out his sore muscles. The ocean breeze carried a salty tang, and the sky was a clear, endless blue.

"Early bird, huh?" Johnny said, tossing Jaune a canteen of water.

Jaune caught it, taking a long sip before replying. "Couldn't sleep well. Too much pain thanks to you. Thought I'd make myself useful."

"Well, if you're feeling so useful," Johnny said with a grin, "how about we see if you've got the hang of this Aura control thing?"

Jaune nodded, determination flickering in his eyes. "What's the plan?"

Johnny smirked. "Simple drills. We'll start small—no weapons, just you and your energy."

They moved to an open area near the shoreline. Johnny stood a few paces away, his stance relaxed. "First, let's see if you can keep that Aura steady under pressure. I'm coming at you—no holding back this time."

Jaune raised his fists, bracing himself.

Johnny darted forward, his strikes quick and precise. Jaune blocked the first few, but his movements were still stiff, lacking fluidity.

"Loosen up!" Johnny barked, sidestepping Jaune's clumsy counter. "Your Aura isn't just a shield—it's part of you. Let it flow, like breathing. Don't think—feel."

Jaune gritted his teeth, his focus narrowing. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. As Johnny's next punch came, Jaune felt a faint shimmer of warmth around his arms—a protective layer of energy deflecting the blow.

"There you go!" Johnny called, retreating slightly. "Now hold onto that feeling."

Jaune exhaled sharply, his heart pounding. The warmth was fleeting, slipping away as quickly as it had come.

For the next hour, Johnny put Jaune through a series of exercises designed to hone his focus. One drill involved balancing on a narrow beam while holding a weighted staff, forcing Jaune to center his energy for balance. Another had him running short sprints with bursts of Aura-enhanced speed, each one leaving him more winded than the last.

"You've been fighting Grimm for months, right?" Johnny asked during a brief pause.

Jaune nodded, wiping sweat from his brow. "Yeah. Mostly with my shield. I've… survived. That's about it."

"Surviving's a good start," Johnny said, tossing Jaune a heavy sandbag. "But you've got more in you than just survival. I saw it when you took down that Ursa. That wasn't luck—it was raw power. You just don't know how to control it yet."

Jaune caught the sandbag, staggering slightly under its weight. "So how do I learn to control it?"

"Practice," Johnny said simply. "And a little guidance from someone who knows what they're doing. I can give you the basics, but if you want to unlock your full potential, you'll need more than what I can teach."

Jaune frowned, hefting the sandbag over his shoulder. "Like who?"

Johnny grinned. "The guy I told you about. But we'll talk about that later. For now, focus on what's in front of you."

On their third day of training, Johnny decided to push Jaune harder. They stood facing each other in the same lot, the morning sun casting long shadows across the sand.

"All right, Arc," Johnny said, cracking his knuckles. "Today, we're going to see if you can harness that power of yours. I want you to hit me with everything you've got."

Jaune hesitated, his fists clenching at his sides. "What if I lose control?"

"Better here than out in the field," Johnny replied, his tone firm but encouraging. "Don't think about control right now. Just focus on letting it out."

Jaune took a deep breath, his thoughts racing. Memories of the fight with the Ursa flashed through his mind—the surge of energy, the crackling power that had saved the little girl.

"Ready?" Johnny called, snapping Jaune out of his thoughts.

Jaune nodded, his focus narrowing. He felt the familiar warmth building in his chest, the faint hum of energy coursing through his veins. He raised his hand, the glow intensifying as he gathered his strength.

With a shout, he unleashed it.

A burst of energy erupted from his palm, the air rippling with its force. Johnny braced himself, crossing his arms as the wave struck him. He slid back a few feet but remained standing, a look of approval on his face.

"Not bad, Arc," Johnny said, shaking out his arms. "You've got potential. But don't let it get to your head—this is just the beginning."

Jaune staggered slightly, his chest heaving. He stared at his hand, the faint glow fading. "I… did it."

Johnny clapped him on the shoulder, grinning. "Damn right you did. And we're just getting started."

For the next few hours, Jaune practiced as hard as he could to reproduce the Kiai wave on command. He utilized it on his own under the watchful eye of Johnny until the older man brought him into a spar once more. The two went at each other with vicious blows, their fist slamming into the other's Aura with the force of a bull. Johnny had pulled a stray fist aimed at his face and swung Jaune over his shoulder. Jaune did his best to right himself in the air and his eyes widened when he saw Johnny spring forward with a ki enhanced jump.

"Watch yourself kid!" Johnny shouted in glee. Charcoal colored energy coated his fist, the first time Jaune had seen the man's Aura, and the thought brought panic to the blond. With a roar fueled by adrenaline, Jaune threw his hand out and focused. A Kiai wave shot forward sending Johnny hurtling to the side.

BOOM!

Jaune rolled on the ground before popping back up to see Johnny in his own little crater. He gulped. Looks like the man was starting to really take him seriously.

"Oh I knew you'd be a quick learner Arc," Johnny laughed as he jumped out from the dust and smoke. Jaune could only groan in response.

Once again Jaune found himself barely able to eat. His everything hurt. Beside him, Johnny continued to jovially eat his meal. Jaune growled.

Bastard of a trainer.

A loud belch brought Jaune out of his thoughts as Johnny leaned back in his chair, his tone contemplative. "You ever wonder why you're able to tap into so much energy, even when most people hit their limit?"

Jaune glanced at him, puzzled. "I guess… I never really thought about it. It just feels like something I can do. Like it's always been there."

Johnny nodded, a faint grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "That's the thing. Most people's Semblances drain their ki, constantly nibbling away at their potential, leaving them just enough for the basics—Aura protection, strength boosts, and the like. But you? You have something odd, from what you've mentioned about your Semblance it doesn't take away; it gives."

Jaune frowned, his fingers idly brushing the edge of his shield. "Gives? You mean it amplifies my Aura, right? That's why I've been able to… heal and push through things others can't."

"Exactly," Johnny said, his voice growing sharper, more pointed. "It doesn't just amplify your Aura—it amplifies everything tied to it. Your ki, your presence, your potential. That's why you're able to summon so much raw power. It's rare, Jaune. And if you learn to channel it right, it could be more than rare. It could be unstoppable."

Jaune leaned back, the realization settling over him like a heavy weight. "So that's why I haven't burned out yet. My Semblance is… feeding it?"

"Semblance? Well that explains a lot." Johnny smirked, but his eyes held a trace of seriousness. "There is a tradeoff. That kind of power comes with responsibility. You don't just get to wave it around and hope for the best. It'll either save you or destroy you, depending on how you use it."

Jaune's gaze drifted to his shield, the intricate grooves catching the warm glow of the inn's lights. "And you? What about your Semblance?"

Johnny's smirk faded, replaced by a solemn expression. He stared at his drink for a moment before answering. "My Semblance… wasn't like yours. It didn't amplify anything; it tore things apart. Every time I used it, I felt like I was losing myself—like it was eating away at something inside me. I hated it."

Jaune's eyes widened slightly. "So, you gave it up?"

Johnny nodded, his voice quieter now. "Locked it away. There's a technique—ancient and difficult—that can seal your Semblance, but it's not something you do lightly. For me, it was a no-brainer. I'd rather fight with nothing than rely on something that made me feel like a monster."

Jaune was silent for a moment, the weight of Johnny's words pressing against him. "And your crew? Did they…?"

Johnny's expression softened, a flicker of nostalgia crossing his face. "Some of them did the same. Others didn't need to. We all had our reasons, but we stuck together. They're more than my crew—they're my family."

Jaune hesitated, gripping his mug tightly. "I had a family once… my team."

Johnny raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to continue.

"They carried me," Jaune admitted, his voice low and tinged with regret. "I wasn't supposed to be there—I forged my transcripts to get into Beacon. I thought I could fake it till I made it, but when it mattered… I wasn't enough. And when things fell apart, when my team needed me most…" His voice cracked, and he looked away. "I wasn't strong enough to save her."

Johnny didn't press, letting the silence stretch between them. Finally, he said, "Strength isn't just about what you can do in the moment, Arc. It's about what you learn from the times you couldn't."

Jaune managed a weak smile, though his eyes betrayed the storm brewing within. "I'm still trying to figure out what that means."

Johnny raised his mug, his grin returning. "You'll get there. One step at a time, kid."

Their glasses clinked, and for a brief moment, the weight on Jaune's shoulders felt just a little lighter.

XXX

The first day aboard the ship to Menagerie had been rough, to say the least. The gentle rocking of the vessel, which most passengers found soothing, was nothing short of a nightmare for Jaune. He had spent the better part of the trip clutching a bucket, his face pale and clammy.

"Really, Arc?" Johnny teased, leaning casually against the ship's railing as Jaune heaved over the side. "First airships, now boats? What's next? You gonna get sick on a horse?"

Jaune glared at him weakly, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "It happens on boats too! Damn it!"

Johnny laughed heartily, slapping Jaune on the back. "You're a walking contradiction, you know that? A guy who can fight Grimm and unleash enough power to light up the night sky, but put him on a little water, and he's done for."

"Not helping," Jaune groaned, clutching his stomach as another wave of nausea hit.

The days passed slowly, Jaune's misery occasionally broken by brief stretches of conversation or quiet moments when he could keep food down. Johnny, on the other hand, seemed to thrive in the maritime setting, often chatting with the crew or lounging on the deck.

On the third day, the horizon began to darken. Ominous clouds rolled in, their shadows creeping across the water like the harbingers of something far worse. The wind picked up, whipping the ship's sails and sending sprays of saltwater over the deck.

Johnny, who had been casually sharpening his axe, froze mid-motion. His eyes narrowed as he scanned the horizon. "You feel that?"

Jaune, still pale but upright, looked up from his seat near the railing. "Feel what?"

The answer came in the form of a distant roar, low and guttural, vibrating through the very wood of the ship. The crew scrambled, shouts echoing across the deck as they prepared for an attack.

"It's Grimm!" someone shouted, pointing toward the water.

Emerging from the depths was a massive, serpentine form, its body shimmering like liquid obsidian. The Leviathan Grimm, a beast of legend, rose from the waves, its elongated body stretching impossibly high into the storm-darkened sky. Its glowing red eyes scanned the ship hungrily, and a guttural hiss escaped its maw as it coiled its body, preparing to strike.

Jaune's stomach churned, but this time it wasn't just the motion of the ship. His hand instinctively went to his shield as he pushed himself to his feet. "Of course this would happen now…"

Johnny hefted his axe with a grin, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Well, kid, time to see if those sea legs of yours can handle a fight. You ready?"

Jaune swallowed hard, his fingers tightening around his shield. His breath came in shallow bursts as he tried to steady himself.

Then the Leviathan struck.

Its massive tail slammed into the side of the ship, sending sailors tumbling and barrels rolling across the deck. Jaune staggered, catching himself against the railing as the beast rose high above them, its maw opening to unleash a bone-rattling roar.

Johnny charged forward, his axe blazing with energy as he swung at the Leviathan's tail, forcing it back momentarily. "Jaune, now would be a good time to stop puking and start fighting!"

Jaune gritted his teeth, his eyes fixed on the colossal Grimm. His shield snapped open in a metallic clang, but his hand trembled as memories of Pyrrha's death and his failure surged forward.

"You can't hesitate now!" Johnny yelled, deflecting another strike from the Leviathan. "That thing doesn't care about your past—fight or die!"

Jaune closed his eyes, his mind spiraling into the abyss of doubt and anger. The storm around them mirrored the chaos inside him, lightning cracking across the sky as rain poured down in sheets.

"Damn it…" he muttered, clutching his shield tighter.

The Leviathan lunged again, its maw aimed directly at Johnny. Something snapped in Jaune.

"No!"

A roar tore from his throat, raw and primal, as a surge of power erupted within him. The air around him ignited with blue and magenta energy, arcs of violet lightning crackling around his form. His hair, drenched from the rain, began to shimmer and rise, its blonde hue fading into a brilliant silver.

Johnny turned, his eyes widening as Jaune's transformation took hold. "Holy hell…"

Jaune's eyes opened, glowing blood red with black pupils that burned with intensity. The ship shuddered under the weight of his power, the very air seeming to vibrate as his Aura expanded outward like a storm.

The Leviathan hesitated, its glowing eyes narrowing as it regarded this new threat.

Jaune's voice was low, a growl that carried the weight of his unleashed power. "Let's do this."

He shot forward, the deck beneath him splintering from the force of his launch. Lightning trailed behind him as he collided with the Leviathan's head, his shield slicing into its scales with a thunderous crack.

The beast roared in fury, writhing as Jaune leapt back, his movements fluid and precise. Johnny was right.

Fight or die.

XXX

Beast Gohan is out in Sparking Zero. In honor of that, well, let's GOOO. Sorry. I love that character. But yeah still doing this story. It actually has given me the motivation to reread Punch the Limit. I got together with people that know DxD much more than me and I'm now reworking how I wanted the story to go. Oh it's still crack and pure fun, put I needed an outline.

Anyways, Beast vs. Leviathan up next. Ciao!